Oscar Maurtua

 Lima, September 7 (RHC)-- Peruvian Foreign Minister Óscar Maúrtua highlighted relations with Cuba and his country's support for the cause of ending the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade against the island.

In an appearance before the Commission on Peruvian-Cuban Relations, the minister said that 'Peru has advocated for the end of the unilateral embargo of the United States, as it has repeatedly stated in the United Nations.

The rejection of the blockade is shared here by broad social and political sectors. In Peru, there is a vast movement of solidarity with Cuba and against that U.S. policy.

Maúrtua also stressed that relations with the Caribbean nation 'are characterized by being historically friendly and pragmatic, based on the principles of mutual respect and the interest in developing ties, especially in the cultural and cooperation fields.'

He added that this position has not changed since the last government of President Fernando Belaunde Terry (1980-85).